HOW NOT TO ABUSE YOUR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
Things have fallen apart; the centre can no longer hold. Journalists cannot do their jobs anymore for fear of being killed. If you do not choose your words carefully, DSS will extend you a “friendly invite”. Who wan die? Not me Sir. You’re on your own. It sounds funny right? No, it isn’t funny. This is not how it is supposed to be. The government is turning our Constitutional rights to audio rights. Na only for ear we dey hear am; we no dey use am.
I don’t want to talk about the NBC and their incessant attacks on media houses. At the end of the day, you only air what pleases the government. Anything outside that, you will pay for it. What then is the essence of freedom of the press? It’s truly frustrating.
Well, to be fair, we sef no dey try sometimes. You have the right to freedom of expression, and so? Do you have to misuse it? Last week, the PlayMaster explained in details how people misuse their rights on social media. It was quite an interesting read. You can find it here if you missed it. Mr. Shuga (Edim) also took time to do an interesting introduction two weeks ago. There’s no way you can understand our lessons this month if you don’t start by reading Edim’s article here. Today, I’ll be telling you 7 ways to ensure that you do not abuse your freedom of expression. Ready? Let’s go!
1. Listen and be sure to understand the information before you act.
2. Think before you speak. If your words are thrown back at you, will you be able to take them?
3. Be empathic. Put yourself in the position of the person you are about to criticize.
4. Look beyond what you disagree with. Your opinion must not invalidate that of another person.
5. Do not confront personal issues via social media. Put your house in order(in private).
6. Before you share a broadcast or other information, ask yourself, is the information true? Have I verified it? Why am I sharing it? Must I share it? Note that you can verify facts online by using fact checkers.
7. Be the light you are looking for in other people. Do not take delight in seeing another reputation ruined. Do not be the reason another person is depressed or contemplates suicide.
Yes, the government and its agencies are doing all they can to restrict our rights, but we must play our part. Do not validate their reasons for trampling on our freedom of expression. Let us act right, so that we can demand our rights with our full chest!
I wish you an amazing weekend and... We will see you in June!
So much for having a right that can't be freely expressed due fear of the powers that be. Freedom is surely not free for the vulnerable.
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